“The Last Dance?”: Lionel Messi reveals his plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States

Lionel Messi has revealed his plans for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Image credits - FMT, License Details)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just fourteen months away and is set to feature 48 nations for the first time in the history of the competition.

With excitement already kicking in, fans all around the world have been speculating whether or not one of football’s all-time greats, Lionel Messi, would feature in the World Cup for the fifth time in his career after having won his maiden WC trophy three years ago in Qatar.

The Argentine legend clarified his plans for his last dance at the global stage in an interview with Simplemente Futbol, saying, “This year will be important to see what I decide regarding the 2026 World Cup. I would lie if I told you I'm not thinking about that (playing in the 2026 World Cup).”

This statement from the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has come as positive news for all the football fans worldwide, as both Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are likely to appear for one last dance as they prepare .

Messi, 37, is still performing at a strong level for Inter Miami in the MLS and has scored eight goals in just 10 games, while still remaining a key figure for Argentina.

Messi reveals why he chose Inter Miami over his “beloved” Barcelona after PSG stint

Barça fans had hoped for Lionel Messi to return to Barcelona after a heartbreaking exit in 2021. However, the Barça legend decided to switch to Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

Speaking in an interview with Simplemente Futbol, Messi revealed why he chose to move to the MLS instead of a fairytale return to Barcelona, stating, “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it was not possible again.”

He further added, “After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact. I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe; I didn’t want to go to any of them.”

The 37-year-old revealed that he prioritised his family, and it was his family's decision to switch to Major League Soccer, which would be key for World Cup preparations to be held in the United States of America as well.

Messi also understood Barcelona’s financial struggles at that point in time, which would've required the sale of many players to afford his £21 million yearly salary. Therefore, despite his heart telling him to return to Barça, he decided not to.